New Water Line Installation in Griffith Park

Councilmember Labonge at the groundbreaking with, on his left, Chief Ranger Albert Torres, and on his right, Glenn Singley of the DWP and Vicki Israel of the Dept. of Recreation and Parks.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge and officials from city water and parks agencies broke ground this morning on a section of a new water line that will run through Griffith Park. The new pipeline replaces a major water transmission pipe that is 70 years old and leaking.
“I want to make sure the public knows that the water line is being installed to improve water pressure and address leaks,” Councilmember LaBonge said. “There may be some traffic disruptions, but the project will be finished before you know it.”
The project replaces a section of a water line that connects the North Hollywood Pump Station with the Ivanhoe Reservoir in Silver Lake. About 11,100 feet of 96-inch diameter welded steel pipe will be installed along Crystal Springs Drive from approximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Los Feliz Boulevard to the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot. Construction, which will last until about November, 2011 and include open trench and jacking/tunneling. Jacking and tunneling will be utilized to minimize traffic impacts.
The Department of Water and Power is undertaking this water line replacement project due to a history of leaks and low water pressure issues. The project is also needed to comply with federally mandated Water Quality Regulations.
"As part of LADWP's ongoing Water Infrastructure Program, RSC Unit 3 will replace an existing water pipeline constructed in the 1940s," said Glenn Singley, director of LADWP's Water Engineering and Technical Services Division. "The new pipeline will improve water quality for the City of Los Angeles while increasing water supply and pressure critical to fire protection activities in Griffith Park."
Also on hand for the groundbreaking were Vicki Israel, Assistant General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, Albert Torres, Chief Park Ranger for the City of Los Angeles, as well as several community members and city staff.